Composition and structure of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) wood

Balsa, with its low density and relatively high mechanical properties, is frequently used as the core in structural sandwich panels, in applications ranging from wind turbine blades to racing yachts. Here, both the cellular and cell wall structure of balsa are described, to enable multi-scale modeling and an improved understanding of its mechanical properties. The cellular structure consists of fibers (66–76 %), rays (20–25 %) and vessels (3–9...